The Beaumont Hotel, Hexham

Hiding its identity rather well this is a rather swish hotel, formerly the Abbey Hotel according to a doorway mosaic. From the front door you enter a large room with a counter to the right but it is a greet and seat place. There are two pulls, one from Full Circle and another from Allendale but obviously nothing “challenging”, the quality was very good however. Four solos have a not too shabby keg choice, Kernel, Ayinger, Weihenstephaner, obviously Guinness and there are bottles in a fridge, always hard to see what is there when you’re whisked away to a seat. You are drinking in a restaurant so be aware of food smells permeating the room, the left side has more seating for dining. Of course it’s furnished with tables and chairs and the wallpaper is an odd bird themed thing. I wasn’t the only non eating drinker, four lasses were polishing off a bottle of wine at a table next to me while on the other side an older couple were tucking into smoked mackerel judging by the smell, the oil lamps on the tables whiff a bit too. Pay on exit is a pain too. Tickers only perhaps?

A smart hotel enjoying a pleasant aspect facing the park near the abbey, and having a ground floor given over to a cafe/restaurant/bar area. The bar is to the right, with full height windows to the street side that can be opened fully in warm weather for that continental cafe effect. Not at the time of my visit, though. There are two hand pumps on the bar, with just one beer on (Tyne Bank Monument) but it was too early in the day for me, and I just had a coffee. If I had time to spare and was going to tour all the Hexham pubs, I wouldn't leave this one out.

Official site of The Beaumont Hotel - www.thebeaumonthexham.co.uk

Official site of The Beaumont Hotel - www.thebeaumonthexham.co.uk